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Convert between bifrostGraphShape and bifShape outputs

There are two types of output from the graph: the default bifrostGraphShape and the older bifShape. Both types are supported, and you can convert between them using the commands on Edit > Convert Graph menu.

bifrostGraphShape output

By default, a graph is represented in a scene by a transform node called bifrostGraph, together with its immediate child bifrostGraphShape which represents both the graph and its output geometries. Like any transform in Maya, you can select and move it to move its shape. You can also parent it in hierarchies, hide it, and assign materials to it.

Within the graph, the graph_space node returns the current transform of the graph, so that you can use its value in your calculations.

bifShape output

In the older style of graph, a graph and its results are represented by two or more nodes:

  • A bifrostBoard DG node (called "bifrostGraph" by default in older versions) contains the graph itself. The board node is not part of the scene hierarchy and does not appear in Maya's Outliner unless Display > DAG Objects Only is off.
  • For each geometry output, a transform called bif and its immediate child bifShape contain the geometry. The shape is part of the scene hierarchy and can be parented like other DAG nodes.
Note:

In a bifrostBoard graph, the graph_space node always returns the identity matrix because the board node has no transform in world space. You cannot get the transform of a bifShape because it is strictly an output.

Convert between output representations

To convert between the two types of output representation, choose one of the items on the Edit > Convert Graph menu. Only one item will be available, depending on the current graph type.

  • A newer-style graph with a default name like bifrostGraphN becomes a DG node named bifrostBoardN. If the graph had been renamed, the current name is kept. The bifrostGraphShape output is replaced by one or more bifShape outputs sequentially named bifM, bifM+1, and so on. Any transformation applied to the original bifrostGraph node is lost. However, the bifShape outputs become children of the parent of the original graph in the scene hierarchy, and any children of the original graph become children of a group transform named bifrostGraphN.
  • An older-style DG graph named bifrostGraphN or bifrostBoardN becomes a newer-style graph named bifrostGraphN with a shape called bifrostGraphNShape. Once again, the current name is kept if the graph had been renamed. The bifShape outputs remain in the scene but are disconnected from the graph. Transformations applied to the bifShape outputs are not transferred.

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